Monday, June 15, 2015

The Royal Gorge - Recovering from 2013 Fire season




Old, new attractions await visitors 

During the 2013 fire the historic Royal Gorge Bridge, affectionately known as "America's Bridge," suffered minimal damage. The venerable bridge remains the most well-known and loved attraction in the park. Complementing the bridge's man-made splendor is the area's history, geology and the breathtaking views and scenic vistas.

The crisp air and scenic beauty makes it an exhilarating place to experience the park's exciting additions! For an extra fee, more adventurous guests can experience awesome thrills on the recently installed Royal Gorge Cloudscraper by Zip Rider. This zip line travels a distance of 2,400 feet across the Royal Gorge at 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River. Additional attractions include: the brand new aerial tramway with 6 shiny new gondolas traveling right next to the zipline, the Royal Rush Skycoaster( an extra pay feature), the Plaza Theater, the Mini-Train, a Children's Playland with new state-of-the-art playground equipment, carousel, and water pad. Visitors can also enjoy the Bridge View Barbecue and Cliff Side Patio, and a new trolley system that takes guests across the bridge.



The impressive new Visitor Center uses blackened Royal Gorge Bridge planks from the fire on its outside decor. It includes a gift shop and Cafe 1230, a restaurant named for being 1,230 feet above the Arkansas River. Cafe 1230's large observation deck, equipped with comfortable seating and a large fireplace, overlooks the gorge and bridge. Background info:

The Royal Gorge Bridge, built as an attraction in 1929, has remained the premier southern Colorado attraction with attendance averaging 300,000 per year. The fire destroyed 90 percent of the park June 13, 2013, on both sides of the Royal Gorge, taking 48 out of 52 structures and attractions. The 2015 tourist season is the first season in which the park will be fully operational since June 2013. For more information, visit http://www.royalgorgebridge.com/ facebook.com/royalgorgebridge for updates.



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